He's Just Not That Into You

2009, 12, Directed by Ken Kwapis

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston

The problem with films like this stem from the fact that there are so many of them; cinema is (well, should be) innovative and yet another rom-com is going to do nothing to dispel the fact that there a Golden Age is long behind us. Every now and then, something will come along to disprove this. Make no mistake: He’s Just Not That Into You is not one of those films. But it isn’t that bad either. Ginnifer Goodwin is Gigi, an unlucky-in-love individual who has no idea what she is doing wrong when it comes to the opposite sex. It is through this confusion that we are introduced to various other examples of ‘him not liking her’, each character connected through another. Suffice to say, these include Ben Affleck who believes he does not need to marry Jennifer Aniston to prove his love for her, and Justin Long – a highlight as Alex, a part-time relationship expert who befriends Gigi. Just go along with it and you will be entertained.

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The Fighter

2010, 15, Directed by David O. Russell

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo

You may think that a rags-to-riches tale of a boxer who doesn’t just fight for an occupation, but for life has been done before. You may even be correct. Rocky, Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby; each film very different from the last but fundamentally similar (and all recognised by Oscar). It is a shock then that David O. Russell’s The Fighter, centering on Mark Wahlberg’s Micky Ward, is a welcome breath of fresh air. With Wahlberg, The Fighter finds its heart. He merges the perfect level of independence, whilst remaining a loyal family man; a refined individual, Ward has lived in the shadow of his brother Dicky his entire life. With Dicky, played to characterised Oscar-winning bliss by Christian Bale, the film finds its comedic, yet tragic route. A former boxing champion, the only hobby he dabbles in these days is snorting drugs. He is a mess, but underneath it all, a less independent, but loyal bloke, just like his brother. He hides behind the matriarch of the family, Melissa Leo’s Alice Ward. Loving to her offspring, vicious to intruders (which Micky’s girlfriend Charlene – a self-assured Amy Adams – soon realises), Leo delivers what could have been stereotypical, and steers it to memorable, and like Bale, award-winning status. Although O. Russell’s direction captures everything that is required, and in some cases a lot more (a pull-back sequence at the beginning of the film lingers in the memory), this is very much the performer’s film. Every cast member plays an ace here, Bale being the obvious standout (it’s impossible not to raise a smirk when he invites Sugar Ray Leonard, a cameo from the former opponent himself, for a ‘cold one’) – but his performance is complemented from the wholly understated one from Wahlberg. As the film’s heart, he provides the elements necessary for the success the film deserves, and in doing so propels the film to life.

4.5/5

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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

 

1967, PG, Directed by Stanley Kramer

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton

1967 was a groundbreaking year in Hollywood; not only was there a surge in younger filmmakers pushing the envelope stylistically, serious themes were beginning to be tackled. Stanley Kramer’s classic effort sees a young woman return to her family home with a doctor she plans to marry; much to her parent’s surprise, he is black. Set over one day, the flow of this film engages you with the characters in such a way that – although the overall outcome proves inevitable – you never find yourself bored. This could largely be due to the performances at the core; Houghton is pleasant as daughter Christina, whilst Sidney Poitier holds coolly holds his own as the respected doctor. But this film is what it is due to the magnificent screen presence of Hepburn and Tracy, the last time to be seen on-screen together (Spencer Tracy passed away 17 days after filming ceased). They may have differing opinions in the film, but they share a chemistry rarely encapsulated. This is one dinner you must tuck into.

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Oscar Nominee #10: Winter's Bone

Say hello to the dark horse of this year’s nominations; the fact that the bleak Winter’s Bone has been nominated is an undeniable blessing. An affecting, harrowing tale of Ree Dolly’s search for her wayward father will endure as one of the greatest largely-unseen films of last year. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is one of the most believable and unassuming of the nominations, (and as much as I love Portman, it would be a victory, albeit a bittersweet one, if Lawrence nicked it from under her nose). If anything, the fact that Winter's Bone is in the list makes me extremely glad so as to raise its profile and get it seen. Again, Debbie Granik did not receive a Directing nomination, so there won't be a repeat of last year's Kathryn Bigelow female victory, but Granik's passion for her craft is evident. But like I said, its inclusion is enough and its chances are better than most.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

I’m going to say no. It would have been between this and True Grit, but I can’t quite explain why I think the Academy wouldn’t have swung towards this. Probably would average out on other nominations, and whilst True Grit has got a Direction and Screenplay nomination for the Coen’s and noms for Bridges and Steinfeld to boot, Winter’s Bone has only been recognised for Lawrence and John Hawkes, for Supporting Actor, who fully deserve their nominations, and Screenplay. Also, more people know True Grit and the Academy are generally quite lazy, so less members have probably seen Winter's Bone. The extension to 10 nominees is effective when films like this get noticed for their worth.

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Oscar Nominee #9: True Grit

It's nice that the Academy are continually considering the Coen Brothers nowadays; after winning big with No country for Old Men, they got a justified nomination for last year's A Serious Man and now for True Grit. Each film they make is as good as the last and it is reassuring that Oscar notices this. Their (own) shock inclusion with A Serious Man was wholeheartedly deserved and actually a better film eventual-winner The Hurt Locker (which was still a fantastic film), and after a complete snub from the Golden Globes, in which a lot of respect and credibility was lost, True Grit was always going to be nominated by the Academy. Not so much a remake of the original, which saw John Wayne win his only Oscar, but a re-adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel, this is a true Western. Starring last years Best Actor winner Jeff Bridges on Oscar-nominated form here, this is film-making at its most stylish. Long-time cinematographer Roger Deakins deserves his consideration here. If there is any justice though, the award True Grit will definitely scoop is Supporting Actress for 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld; she truly delivers one of the best performances out of all the acting nominations of this year. Mattie Ross is the film's heart, and somehow she managed to upstage Bridges and Matt Damon. If that is not Oscar worthy, I don't know what is. As for it winning though, if it wasn't such a strong year (what with The King's Speech and The Social Network battling it out), this would have had such a great chance.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Another difficult one – but I say when push came to shove, yes it would have been; and rightfully so. This is one of the most charming films on the list. Great performances, great direction, great script... it actually is one of the only nominated films that has it all. 

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Oscar Nominee #8: Toy Story 3

Make no mistake, Toy Story 3 made amazing trilogies possible and officially launched the animated phenomenon, kick-started in 1995, into ‘Greatest Trilogy Ever’ realms. The highest grossing and most-critically lauded film of 2010, Toy Story 3 was guaranteed an Oscar nomination after Up’s last year. Thanks to the extension of the nominations, Pixar gems are guaranteed to be included no matter what. Toy Story 3 winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar is probably the deadest cert of the night (yep, even ahead of Firth winning Best Actor), which will unfortunately detract from its likelihood of winning the Best Picture. It could happen! But it won’t…

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Sadly not, the Academy would have settled for its Animated Feature nomination in the mindset that it will win - which is understandable really. At least animation films are being recognised! However, some could say that animation is being overlooked and should not have its separate category. A strong argument, but they would never win - even films as big as Toy Story 3 - if the category wasn't there. Just be thankful for its nomination and monumental completion. Random info: this is the first sequel to be nominated for Best Picture without any of its previous films...

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Oscar Nominee #7: The Social Network

May I introduce to you the second horse in this years race. The Social Network took a lot of people by surprise and is being seen as a generational, relevant film. Directed by David Fincher and scripted by Aaron Sorkin, everybody expected this to be good, but not great. But a great film it is and will no doubt be rewarded in some way this season (most obviously bagging Best Director for Fincher and Best Screenplay for Sorkin). Personally, this was the second-best film of 2010 for me, behind Inception. Simultaneously a Director's film and a performance film, with heavy bouts of dialogue (the opening scene featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Fincher's future-Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was shot 99 times), The Social Network has tough competition from The King's Speech. Whatever happens though, I doubt anybody saw a film about Facebook becoming such a sensation. This will no doubt endure as a cult classic; and one in which Justin Timberlake was actually pretty impressive.

Would it have been nominated before the 10-nomination rule?

Without a shadow of a doubt. I predicted The Social Network would emerge victorious before the nominations were even announced, and I kind of hope it does.

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